Suzanne DiGioia is a graduate student at Stoney Brook University. In the summer of 2018, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to Portland, OR raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

Every day this question seems to move closer and closer to home. My father is battling terminal prostate cancer. He is definitely a fighter and makes sure to keep humor a big part of his everyday life. My grandfather passed away from lung cancer and a high school and college friend of mine, Liz Kelly (by the way, she was the most beautiful girl you would ever meet in the world inside and out) lost her battle our sophomore year of college. During our first semester freshman year she was diagnosed and remained a fighter until the end. Her parents, too, are the strongest people I know.

I guess, in short, cancer is one of those things that impacts everyone in their lifetime be it a personal battle, or one faced by family or friends. We are all united by this terrible disease and only together can we defeat it. My dad and Liz keep me going everyday and encourage me to make my own life count--to always remember to give back and to pay it forward.

Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

Cycling has always been one of my favorite ways to see the country and having the opportunity to make a difference in the process is very important to me. Challenging my mind, body, and spirit in such a way can help me to be both a stronger person and a stronger advocate to those dealing with tough times. I want to make my time matter and be able to give back to those battling cancer who have helped me to succeed in my own life. Together, we can raise awareness and beat cancer!

2018 marks the 17th year of the 4K for Cancer sending young adults on journeys across the country in an effort to inspire hope and unite communities in the fight against cancer. The 4K for Cancer is a program of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner a at www.4kforcancer.org! 

CHALLENGE:

Over 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. Young adults (ages 15-39) face a variety of unique challenges with a cancer diagnosis including fertility preservation, social isolation, lack of insurance, delayed diagnosis, and more. 

SOLUTION:

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide free support services and resources for the young adult cancer community including:

Cancer to 5K - a 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at cancer centers and remotely through our office) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one support & resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer experience and long-term cancer survival.

Scholarships - a financial assistance program to help young adults continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

UCF House - This year UCF broke ground on a “home away from home” to provide free housing for young adult cancer patients, and their caregivers, in East Baltimore. 

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!